Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Pakistan has delayed the verdict against Mumbai attack mastermind and proscribed Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed in two terror financing cases.

Will 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed be convicted?

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday reserved its verdicts against Mumbai attack mastermind and proscribed Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed in two terror financing cases, Pakistani media reported. ATC judge Arshad Hussain Bhatta will announce the verdicts in both cases on today (February 8).

Anti-Terrorism Court of Pakistan to pronounce verdict on Hafiz Saeed today

In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan authorities accorded VIP treatment to UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan.

Exclusive pictures of armoured vehicles in which Saeed was brought to court accessed by WION proved that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-defers-verdict-against-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-279461">26/11 terror attack mastermind</a> was accorded same privilege usually reserved for VIPs and visiting dignitaries.

Saeed was brought in two identical bulletproof vehicles used by diplomats and dignitaries in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed verdict delayed to February 11

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Prisoners of such crimes are usually brought in a police Armored Personnel Carrier(APC). Saeed was also brought in an APC earlier but today was different. This comes at a time when his conviction could have been announced.

In Pakistan, former prime ministers have been brought in APC. Former PMs Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former President Asif Ali Zardari and of late former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal have not been given such protocol, the one that was accorded to Saeed today at the Lahore anti-terror court.

Earlier Sharif and Zardari were accorded similar treatment after they had requested but what shocked many today was the treatment given to Saeed without even he requesting for the same. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan authorities accorded VIP treatment to UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan. Exclusive pictures of armoured vehicles in which Saeed was brought to court accessed by WION proved that 26/11 terror attack mastermind was accorded same privilege usually reserved for VIPs and visiting dignitaries.

In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan authorities accorded VIP treatment to UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan. Exclusive pictures of armoured vehicles in which Saeed was brought to court accessed by WION proved that 26/11 terror attack mastermind was accorded same privilege usually reserved for VIPs and visiting dignitaries. Saeed was brought in two identical bulletproof vehicles used by diplomats and dignitaries in Pakistan. Watch: Hafiz Saeed verdict delayed to February 11 × Prisoners of such crimes are usually brought in a police Armored Personnel Carrier(APC). Saeed was also brought in an APC earlier but today was different. This comes at a time when his conviction could have been announced. In Pakistan, former prime ministers have been brought in APC. Former PMs Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former President Asif Ali Zardari and of late former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal have not been given such protocol, the one that was accorded to Saeed today at the Lahore anti-terror court. Earlier Sharif and Zardari were accorded similar treatment after they had requested but what shocked many today was the treatment given to Saeed without even he requesting for the same.

Pakistan accords VIP treatment to UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed 

Pakistan special anti-terror court on Saturday set February 11 as the next date for announcing&nbsp;the verdict in terror financing cases against Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Earlier, high drama prevailed at the anti-terror court in Lahore as it announced new date to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-to-announce-verdict-against-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-on-february-8-279249">pronounce the verdic</a>t in the contentious case.&nbsp;

Reporters were barred from attending the hearing even as Saeed was produced in the court amid heightened security.&nbsp;

Saeed moved a plea seeking a delay in the announcement of the verdict. In his plea, he stated&nbsp;that pending cases should be heard at first and added, that verdict on all the cases should be announced together.

Prosecution Lawyer Abdur Rauf Wattoo argued that since the trial in two cases has concluded, the court should announce the verdict on those&nbsp;two cases without any delay.

The court, however, deferred the matter until February 11, 2020.&nbsp;

Pakistan special anti-terror court on Saturday set February 11 as the next date for announcing the verdict in terror financing cases against Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Pakistan special anti-terror court on Saturday set February 11 as the next date for announcing the verdict in terror financing cases against Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Earlier, high drama prevailed at the anti-terror court in Lahore as it announced new date to pronounce the verdict in the contentious case. Reporters were barred from attending the hearing even as Saeed was produced in the court amid heightened security. Saeed moved a plea seeking a delay in the announcement of the verdict. In his plea, he stated that pending cases should be heard at first and added, that verdict on all the cases should be announced together. Prosecution Lawyer Abdur Rauf Wattoo argued that since the trial in two cases has concluded, the court should announce the verdict on those two cases without any delay. The court, however, deferred the matter until February 11, 2020.

Pakistan court defers verdict against Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday reserved its verdicts against Mumbai attack mastermind and proscribed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Jamaat-ud-Dawah</a> (JuD) chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Hafiz Saeed</a> in two terror financing cases, Pakistani media reported.

ATC judge Arshad Hussain Bhatta will announce the verdicts in both cases on February 8, according to reports.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Pakistan: Hafiz Saeed pleads not guilty on terrorism financing charges</a>

In July last year, the top 13 members of the JuD, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Saeed</a>, were booked in nearly two dozen cases for terror financing and money laundering under Pakistan's <a href="Pakistan should do more to take non-reversible action against terror: United Kingdom">Anti-Terrorism Act</a> (ATA), 1997.

Subsequently, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Saeed </a>was arrested by the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department on charges of terror financing while he was travelling from Lahore to Gujranwala.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-pakistans-heart-bleeds-for-hafiz-saeed-252370">Why Pakistan’s heart bleeds for Hafiz Saeed?</a>

According to the CTD, JuD was financing terrorism from the massive funds collected through non-profit organisations and trusts including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, Muaz Bin Jabal Trust, etc.

In December, last year, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hafiz-saeed-pleads-not-guilty-on-terrorism-financing-charges-269394">Saeed </a>was indicted on charges of terror financing.

The indictment came ahead of a meeting by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-pakistan-may-end-up-being-pushed-in-financial-action-task-force-fatf-grey-list-256100">Financial Action Task Force </a>(FATF) later this year which will decide whether Pakistan will be blacklisted over its failure to curb terror funding.

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday reserved its verdicts against Mumbai attack mastermind and proscribed Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed in two terror financing cases, Pakistani media reported.

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday reserved its verdicts against Mumbai attack mastermind and proscribed Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed in two terror financing cases, Pakistani media reported. ATC judge Arshad Hussain Bhatta will announce the verdicts in both cases on February 8, according to reports. Also read: Pakistan: Hafiz Saeed pleads not guilty on terrorism financing charges In July last year, the top 13 members of the JuD, including Saeed, were booked in nearly two dozen cases for terror financing and money laundering under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. Subsequently, Saeed was arrested by the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department on charges of terror financing while he was travelling from Lahore to Gujranwala. Also read: Why Pakistan’s heart bleeds for Hafiz Saeed? According to the CTD, JuD was financing terrorism from the massive funds collected through non-profit organisations and trusts including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, Muaz Bin Jabal Trust, etc. In December, last year, Saeed was indicted on charges of terror financing. The indictment came ahead of a meeting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) later this year which will decide whether Pakistan will be blacklisted over its failure to curb terror funding.

Pakistan court to announce verdict against terrorist Hafiz Saeed on February 8

Moderate separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a case related to terror funding, officials said.

Mirwaiz was provided security upon his arrival at Delhi airport as was assured by the NIA after he raised the issue for appearing at the agency's headquarter in the national capital.

Hurriyat Conference leaders Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Maulana Abbas Ansari accompanied him.

In 2004, the same group of leaders had met then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then home minister LK Advani for finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.

The NIA probe seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terror activities, pelting of stones on security forces, burning down of schools and damaging of government establishments.

The case names Hafeez Saeed, Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), the front for banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference factions led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz, Hizbul Mujahideen and Dukhtaran-e-Millat.&nbsp;

Moderate separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a case related to terror funding, officials said.

Moderate separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a case related to terror funding, officials said. Mirwaiz was provided security upon his arrival at Delhi airport as was assured by the NIA after he raised the issue for appearing at the agency's headquarter in the national capital. Hurriyat Conference leaders Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Maulana Abbas Ansari accompanied him. In 2004, the same group of leaders had met then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then home minister LK Advani for finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue. The NIA probe seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terror activities, pelting of stones on security forces, burning down of schools and damaging of government establishments. The case names Hafeez Saeed, Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), the front for banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference factions led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz, Hizbul Mujahideen and Dukhtaran-e-Millat.

Mirwaiz Umar appears before NIA in terror funding case

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud Dawa will contest the July 25 general elections on the platform of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek as the group's Milli Muslim League is yet to be registered as a political party, a senior member of the outfit said today.&nbsp

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

With general elections approaching, the group has decided to contest on the platform of the "dormant" political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which was registered in the ECP.

"It was a kind of dormant party registered by a citizen Ehsan. There are several such parties registered with the ECP and such an arrangement is made ahead of the general elections if any mainstream party or organisation faces any issue or complication," a member of the JuD told PTI.

"Since the Milli Muslim League (MML) fails to get registered with the ECP it is going for this arrangement (contesting the upcoming polls on AAT platform)," he said.

MML president Saifullah Khalid will make a formal announcement regarding this shortly, he added.

The AAT's election symbol is 'chair'.

"Now the JuD/MML candidates will contest on the 'chair' symbol across the country," the member said.

He said since the MML has hardly any chance to get registered with the ECP as it had announced the election schedule and issued election symbols, it had no other option but to contest the election on any 'dormant' entity like AAT or support the Mutahidda Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of mainstream religious parties of the country.

"But Saeed chose to contest independently," he said.

The MML has also confirmed contesting the July 25 election on the 'chair' symbol.

"We have decided to support the candidates of AAT in July 25 elections," MML President Saifullah Khalid told PTI.

"We will play a role in the victory of those contesting on the symbol of chair. To save Pakistan, patriotic people should be supported in the elections," he said.

Khalid said the MML had been denied registration in the ECP for the last 11 months but will take part in the polls by supporting the candidates of AAT.

"Meanwhile we will continue fighting our case (registration of MML) in the court and ECP," he added.

The MML president said over 350 political parties were registered with the ECP but there is an objection regarding the MML.

"I ask the MML workers to get ready and make full preparations across the country to make the AAT candidates successful in the upcoming elections. We have to serve humanity and no one can stop us from our political struggle," he said.

Meanwhile, the MML has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP for using delaying tactics regarding its enlisting as a political party as per law. June 11 is fixed for the case hearing in the IHC.

The court in March had set aside the ECP order declining registration of the MML.

Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC bench had referred the matter to the ECP, directing the electoral body to pass a speaking order.

The MML had challenged the October 11 order of the ECP declining registration to the MML as a political party allegedly on the behest of the interior ministry.

The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party arguing it's an offshoot of the Jamaatud Dawa of Hafiz Saeed banned under a UN resolution.

The JuD formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore. Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were placed under house arrest in Lahore on January 30 under anti- terrorism act.

The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The JuD chief also carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for his role in terror activities.

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e- Taiba terrorist group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud Dawa will contest the July 25 general elections on the platform of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek as the group's Milli Muslim League is yet to be registered as a political party, a senior member of the outfit said today. Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). With general elections approaching, the group has decided to contest on the platform of the "dormant" political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which was registered in the ECP. "It was a kind of dormant party registered by a citizen Ehsan. There are several such parties registered with the ECP and such an arrangement is made ahead of the general elections if any mainstream party or organisation faces any issue or complication," a member of the JuD told PTI. "Since the Milli Muslim League (MML) fails to get registered with the ECP it is going for this arrangement (contesting the upcoming polls on AAT platform)," he said. MML president Saifullah Khalid will make a formal announcement regarding this shortly, he added. The AAT's election symbol is 'chair'. "Now the JuD/MML candidates will contest on the 'chair' symbol across the country," the member said. He said since the MML has hardly any chance to get registered with the ECP as it had announced the election schedule and issued election symbols, it had no other option but to contest the election on any 'dormant' entity like AAT or support the Mutahidda Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of mainstream religious parties of the country. "But Saeed chose to contest independently," he said. The MML has also confirmed contesting the July 25 election on the 'chair' symbol. "We have decided to support the candidates of AAT in July 25 elections," MML President Saifullah Khalid told PTI. "We will play a role in the victory of those contesting on the symbol of chair. To save Pakistan, patriotic people should be supported in the elections," he said. Khalid said the MML had been denied registration in the ECP for the last 11 months but will take part in the polls by supporting the candidates of AAT. "Meanwhile we will continue fighting our case (registration of MML) in the court and ECP," he added. The MML president said over 350 political parties were registered with the ECP but there is an objection regarding the MML. "I ask the MML workers to get ready and make full preparations across the country to make the AAT candidates successful in the upcoming elections. We have to serve humanity and no one can stop us from our political struggle," he said. Meanwhile, the MML has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP for using delaying tactics regarding its enlisting as a political party as per law. June 11 is fixed for the case hearing in the IHC. The court in March had set aside the ECP order declining registration of the MML. Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC bench had referred the matter to the ECP, directing the electoral body to pass a speaking order. The MML had challenged the October 11 order of the ECP declining registration to the MML as a political party allegedly on the behest of the interior ministry. The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party arguing it's an offshoot of the Jamaatud Dawa of Hafiz Saeed banned under a UN resolution. The JuD formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore. Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were placed under house arrest in Lahore on January 30 under anti- terrorism act. The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The JuD chief also carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for his role in terror activities.

Hafiz Saeed to fight Pakistan polls from another party as his group awaits nod

The Lahore High Court today restrained the Pakistan government from arresting Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief, till further order.

Saeed had yesterday moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) ahead of the visit of the monitoring team of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee.

The team will be visiting Islamabad from tomorrow for an assessment of Islamabad&#39;s compliance with the world body&#39;s sanctions regime.

In his plea, he had said that the government wants to arrest him at the behest of US and India, whose lobby for the last many years has been trying to prove that he was &quot;somehow involved in Mumbai attacks&quot;.

Justice Amin Aminuddin Khan heard Saeed&#39;s plea and refrained the government from taking any adverse action against him.

&quot;The LHC today accepted JuD chief Hafiz Saeed&#39;s application and issued order restraining the federal government from arresting him till futher order,&quot; a court official confirmed to PTI.

He said the court also issued notice to the government to file its reply on March 17.

Appearing for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder, his counsel Advocate A K Dogar told the court that the UNSC delegation was due in the country this week and the government intends to take an &quot;adverse action&quot; against him during the team&#39;s stay in the country.

He said the government may arrest his client at the behest of the US and India.

The Punjab government, Dogar said, had detained Saeed for 10 months under the Maintenance of Public Order ordinance but a judicial review board had rejected its application for extending his house arrest last November as it failed to justify his detention.

Saeed is the founder/chairman of JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and he had set up 142 schools and three universities and was engaged in public welfare for a long time, Dogar said.

The UN team&#39;s visit is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and Indian governments with respect to inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him.

The State Department had said last week that the US had clearly conveyed its concern to Pakistan on Saeed and called for his prosecution &quot;to the fullest extent of the law&quot;.

It also said that Saeed&#39;s name was on the UN list of designated terrorists.

Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. The UNSC sanctions list includes the names of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, FIF and other groups and individuals.

The UNSC monitoring committee oversees the sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council under the rules. The member states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities.

Last week, Pakistan banned companies and individuals from making donations to the JuD, the FIF and other organisations on the UNSC sanctions list.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

Saeed had yesterday moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against his foundations

The Lahore High Court today restrained the Pakistan government from arresting Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief, till further order. Saeed had yesterday moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) ahead of the visit of the monitoring team of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. The team will be visiting Islamabad from tomorrow for an assessment of Islamabad's compliance with the world body's sanctions regime. In his plea, he had said that the government wants to arrest him at the behest of US and India, whose lobby for the last many years has been trying to prove that he was "somehow involved in Mumbai attacks". Justice Amin Aminuddin Khan heard Saeed's plea and refrained the government from taking any adverse action against him. "The LHC today accepted JuD chief Hafiz Saeed's application and issued order restraining the federal government from arresting him till futher order," a court official confirmed to PTI. He said the court also issued notice to the government to file its reply on March 17. Appearing for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder, his counsel Advocate A K Dogar told the court that the UNSC delegation was due in the country this week and the government intends to take an "adverse action" against him during the team's stay in the country. He said the government may arrest his client at the behest of the US and India. The Punjab government, Dogar said, had detained Saeed for 10 months under the Maintenance of Public Order ordinance but a judicial review board had rejected its application for extending his house arrest last November as it failed to justify his detention. Saeed is the founder/chairman of JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and he had set up 142 schools and three universities and was engaged in public welfare for a long time, Dogar said. The UN team's visit is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and Indian governments with respect to inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him. The State Department had said last week that the US had clearly conveyed its concern to Pakistan on Saeed and called for his prosecution "to the fullest extent of the law". It also said that Saeed's name was on the UN list of designated terrorists. Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. The UNSC sanctions list includes the names of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, FIF and other groups and individuals. The UNSC monitoring committee oversees the sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council under the rules. The member states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. Last week, Pakistan banned companies and individuals from making donations to the JuD, the FIF and other organisations on the UNSC sanctions list. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

Lahore High Court restrains Pakistan govt from taking action against Hafiz Saeed

Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai said today that there was &quot;plenty of evidence&quot; against UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi gave a clean chit to the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind.

The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the 26/11 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

&quot;Oh, there is plenty of evidence. And, everyone knows that,&quot; Karzai told reporters on the sidelines of the &#39;Raisina Dialogue&#39; here, when asked about the clean chit given to Saeed by the Pakistan prime minister.

Abbasi, during an interview to Geo TV on Tuesday, had referred to Saeed, the chief of the JuD, as &#39;sahib&#39; or &#39;sir&#39;.

&quot;There is no case against Hafiz Saeed sahib in Pakistan. Only when there is a case can there be action,&quot; the prime minister had said when asked why there was no action against Saeed.

The JuD chief was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November.

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Oh! There is plenty of evidence, everyone knows that! :Hamid Karzai, Former Afghanistan President on Pakistan PM&#39;s statement that there is no evidence against Hafiz Saeed <a href="https://t.co/OS6QQj5Onn">pic.twitter.com/OS6QQj5Onn</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953909166006923264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After his release, Saeed had confirmed that the JuD will contest the 2018 general election under the banner of the Milli Muslim League (MML), which is yet to be registered with Pakistan&#39;s Election Commission.

When asked about the suspension of military aid by the US to Pakistan, he said, &quot;They should do all they can, through political, and economic and other means, to bring Pakistan to a recognition, the

Pakistani Army and Intelligence, that the use of extremism as a tool, is no longer tolerated by the world.&quot;

The former Afghan president, when asked how the current Afghan government was dealing with Taliban extremism in that country, he said, &quot;They are doing their best.&quot;

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They should do all they can, through political, economical &amp; other means, to bring Pakistan, their Army &amp; Intelligence, to recognition that the use of extremism as a tool is no longer tolerated by the world: Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on US&#39; aid-cut for Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/LIGVCCV1Xj">pic.twitter.com/LIGVCCV1Xj</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953909669042438145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier taking part in a panel discussion on a topic &#39;Afghan Poser&#39;, he asserted that Afghanistan is a &quot;deeply cultured society&quot; and not what the western media portrays it to be.

&quot;They show us (Afghanistan) as savages. If I lived in America, I will be very pessimistic about Afghanistan,&quot; he rued.

On Taliban extremism, he said, &quot;Part of the problem in Afghanistan is foreign-born and part is our own. The Daesh is not our product, Taliban is from our villages and we have to bring these extremists to peace. We can&#39;t ignore them.&quot;

Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (retd) V K Singh said, &quot;India&#39;s interest lies in ensuring that Afghanistan becomes a prosperous country again, as it historically, geographically and culturally, has been as a trade route.&quot;

&quot;And, the way ahead is through development and improvement in economy,&quot; he said.

Karzai also said the Russia-Pakistan relationship is &quot;very new&quot; as against the US-Pakistan relationship, saying the &quot;Russian military is not that close to Pakistan military as say the US military is&quot;.

The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai said today that there was "plenty of evidence" against UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi gave a clean chit to the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind. The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the 26/11 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. "Oh, there is plenty of evidence. And, everyone knows that," Karzai told reporters on the sidelines of the 'Raisina Dialogue' here, when asked about the clean chit given to Saeed by the Pakistan prime minister. Abbasi, during an interview to Geo TV on Tuesday, had referred to Saeed, the chief of the JuD, as 'sahib' or 'sir'. "There is no case against Hafiz Saeed sahib in Pakistan. Only when there is a case can there be action," the prime minister had said when asked why there was no action against Saeed. The JuD chief was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November. Oh! There is plenty of evidence, everyone knows that! :Hamid Karzai, Former Afghanistan President on Pakistan PM's statement that there is no evidence against Hafiz Saeed pic.twitter.com/OS6QQj5Onn — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018 × After his release, Saeed had confirmed that the JuD will contest the 2018 general election under the banner of the Milli Muslim League (MML), which is yet to be registered with Pakistan's Election Commission. When asked about the suspension of military aid by the US to Pakistan, he said, "They should do all they can, through political, and economic and other means, to bring Pakistan to a recognition, the Pakistani Army and Intelligence, that the use of extremism as a tool, is no longer tolerated by the world." The former Afghan president, when asked how the current Afghan government was dealing with Taliban extremism in that country, he said, "They are doing their best." They should do all they can, through political, economical & other means, to bring Pakistan, their Army & Intelligence, to recognition that the use of extremism as a tool is no longer tolerated by the world: Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on US' aid-cut for Pakistan pic.twitter.com/LIGVCCV1Xj — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2018 × Earlier taking part in a panel discussion on a topic 'Afghan Poser', he asserted that Afghanistan is a "deeply cultured society" and not what the western media portrays it to be. "They show us (Afghanistan) as savages. If I lived in America, I will be very pessimistic about Afghanistan," he rued. On Taliban extremism, he said, "Part of the problem in Afghanistan is foreign-born and part is our own. The Daesh is not our product, Taliban is from our villages and we have to bring these extremists to peace. We can't ignore them." Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (retd) V K Singh said, "India's interest lies in ensuring that Afghanistan becomes a prosperous country again, as it historically, geographically and culturally, has been as a trade route." "And, the way ahead is through development and improvement in economy," he said. Karzai also said the Russia-Pakistan relationship is "very new" as against the US-Pakistan relationship, saying the "Russian military is not that close to Pakistan military as say the US military is".

Plenty of evidence against Hafiz Saeed: Ex-Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai

The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief and UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed has lashed out at the Pakistan government for not ushering Islamic rule in the country.

&quot;They have started this work by finishing the message of Prophet Muhammad. Let us unite and pledge that we would not let it happen,&quot; Saeed has said at an event.

Already at loggerheads with the United States (US), especially over its decision to suspend military aid to Pakistan, the 26/11 mastermind criticised both the US and Israel for the political chaos in the country.

&quot;This is Israel&#39;s agenda, which America is executing effectively. After losing in Afghanistan, it wants to wage a new war here in Pakistan. The unity that I am seeing today here is good but we need bigger and better unity and start a revolution. We have to stand up and do something better for Islam and Pakistan,&quot; Hafiz Saeed added.

The JuD chief is also looking to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan and has, thereby, formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League (MML).

Earlier this week, Saeed invited all Islamic states to launch &#39;Jihad&#39; against the United States and Israel.

Meanwhile, Pakistan recently prohibited Saeed&#39;s JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations.

Saeed has recently been released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case.

India has, time and again, protested against Pakistan for harbouring Saeed, who is wanted for plotting the Mumbai attacks.

Already at loggerheads with the United States, especially over its decision to suspend military aid to Pakistan, the 26/11 mastermind criticised both the US and Israel for the political chaos in the country.

The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief and UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed has lashed out at the Pakistan government for not ushering Islamic rule in the country. "They have started this work by finishing the message of Prophet Muhammad. Let us unite and pledge that we would not let it happen," Saeed has said at an event. Already at loggerheads with the United States (US), especially over its decision to suspend military aid to Pakistan, the 26/11 mastermind criticised both the US and Israel for the political chaos in the country. "This is Israel's agenda, which America is executing effectively. After losing in Afghanistan, it wants to wage a new war here in Pakistan. The unity that I am seeing today here is good but we need bigger and better unity and start a revolution. We have to stand up and do something better for Islam and Pakistan," Hafiz Saeed added. The JuD chief is also looking to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan and has, thereby, formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League (MML). Earlier this week, Saeed invited all Islamic states to launch 'Jihad' against the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, Pakistan recently prohibited Saeed's JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations. Saeed has recently been released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case. India has, time and again, protested against Pakistan for harbouring Saeed, who is wanted for plotting the Mumbai attacks.

Hafiz Saeed criticises Pakistan government for not ushering Islamic rule in country

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-supreme-court-judges-speak-out-pm-modi-meets-law-minister-ravi-shankar-prasad-29324" target="_blank">Let the nation decide on CJI&#39;s impeachment: Supreme Court judges in press conference</a>

India&#39;s Attorney General K K Venugopal met the Chief Justice (CJI)&nbsp;of India&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-4-supreme-court-judges-speak-on-corruption-29314">Dipak Misra</a>&nbsp;after four judges addressed the media for the first time.&nbsp;Four sitting Supreme Court judges Justice Lokur, Justice Kurian Joseph, Justice Chelameswar and Justice Ranjan Gogoi&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-justice-chelameshwar-and-other-senior-supreme-court-judges-said-in-open-meet-today-29316">addressed the media</a>&nbsp;for the first time on differences with the CJI earlier in the day.&nbsp;Asked whether they wanted the Chief Justice to be impeached, Justice Chelameswar said, &quot;let the nation decide.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-4-supreme-court-judges-speak-on-corruption-29314" target="_blank">&#39;We failed to convince the Chief Justice of India,&#39; say 4 senior judges in first ever open meet</a>

The judges criticised Supreme Court&#39;s distribution of cases to judges and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-justice-chelameshwar-and-other-senior-supreme-court-judges-said-in-open-meet-today-29316">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;about judicial appointments. &quot;We were left with no choice but to address the media, we have failed to convince the Chief Justice,&quot; Justice Chelameswar said on the lawns of his residence in New Delhi. &quot;The four of us are convinced that unless this institution is preserved and it maintains its equanimity, democracy will not survive in this country,&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-takes-exception-to-indias-cartosat-2s-satellite-launch-29356" target="_blank">Pakistan takes exception to India&#39;s Cartosat-2s satellite launch</a>

Taking exception to India&#39;s 100th satellite+, Pakistan said that such pursuits should not be directed towards a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities, which can negatively impact the regional strategic stability.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeed-criticises-pakistan-government-for-not-ushering-islamic-rule-in-country-29309" target="_blank">Hafiz Saeed criticises Pakistan government for not ushering Islamic rule in country</a>

The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief and UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed has lashed out at the Pakistan government for not ushering Islamic rule in the country. &quot;They have started this work by finishing the message of Prophet Muhammad. Let us unite and pledge that we would not let it happen,&quot; Saeed has said at an event.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-do-teachers-in-jk-use-separate-map-for-state-asks-army-chief-29358" target="_blank">&#39;Why do teachers in J&amp;K use separate map for state?&#39; asks Army Chief</a>

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said that schools in Jammu and Kashmir are instilling wrong information into students&#39; mind by showing them a separate map of their state and not as one Indian map.

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Let the nation decide on CJI's impeachment: Supreme Court judges in press conference India's Attorney General K K Venugopal met the Chief Justice (CJI) of India Dipak Misra after four judges addressed the media for the first time. Four sitting Supreme Court judges Justice Lokur, Justice Kurian Joseph, Justice Chelameswar and Justice Ranjan Gogoi addressed the media for the first time on differences with the CJI earlier in the day. Asked whether they wanted the Chief Justice to be impeached, Justice Chelameswar said, "let the nation decide." 'We failed to convince the Chief Justice of India,' say 4 senior judges in first ever open meet The judges criticised Supreme Court's distribution of cases to judges and raised concerns about judicial appointments. "We were left with no choice but to address the media, we have failed to convince the Chief Justice," Justice Chelameswar said on the lawns of his residence in New Delhi. "The four of us are convinced that unless this institution is preserved and it maintains its equanimity, democracy will not survive in this country,". Pakistan takes exception to India's Cartosat-2s satellite launch Taking exception to India's 100th satellite+, Pakistan said that such pursuits should not be directed towards a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities, which can negatively impact the regional strategic stability. Hafiz Saeed criticises Pakistan government for not ushering Islamic rule in country The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief and UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed has lashed out at the Pakistan government for not ushering Islamic rule in the country. "They have started this work by finishing the message of Prophet Muhammad. Let us unite and pledge that we would not let it happen," Saeed has said at an event. 'Why do teachers in J&K use separate map for state?' asks Army Chief Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said that schools in Jammu and Kashmir are instilling wrong information into students' mind by showing them a separate map of their state and not as one Indian map.

WION Evening News brief, January 12, 2018

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) Chief and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed continues to spread religious hatred from the Pakistan soil as he, recently, invited all Islamic states to launch &#39;Jihad&#39; against the United States and Israel.

Hundreds of JuD activists participated in a rally &#39;Tahafuz Baitul Muqaddas&#39; at the Istanbul Chowk here. The event was attended by JuD leaders, including Hafiz Saeed and Abdul Rehman Makki.

The event was conducted in the wake of the US President Donald Trump-led administration unilaterally identifying and declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) co-founder, while addressing the gathering, said, &quot;The day Jerusalem (Bait-ul-Muqaddas) becomes the capital of Israel, a caravan of &#39;Jihad&#39; will be launched. Pakistan&#39;s army chief General (Qamar Javed) Bajwa, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and all leaders of the political parties need to unite. Pakistan&#39;s atomic bomb is the asset of `Islam&#39;, which should be used to free Jerusalem. This is my open announcement.&quot;

He added, &quot;We should organise an Islamic conference to be attended by chiefs of the Islamic states to declare &#39;Jihad&#39;. The influence of the ISIS will weaken and the conspiracy of the United States against Islam and holy war (Jihad) will come to an end.&quot;

The United Nations- and US-designated terrorist was recently released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the Mumbai attack case.

Abdul Rehman Makki, the second in-command of the JuD, said: &quot;May Allah almighty willing this &#39;Ghazwa-e-Hind&#39; (Battle of Hind) and &#39;Ghazwa-e-Saleeb&#39; (Battle of Christianity) will continue and this conference had pledged and promised they would wage jihad for Palestine like JuD had been waging Jihad in Kashmir.&quot;

Hafiz Saeed, who formed Milli Muslim League (MML), is planning to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan.

India has protested against Pakistan time and again for harbouring Saeed. He is wanted for allegedly plotting the Mumbai attacks that took place on November 26, 2008.

Hundreds of JuD activists participated in a rally 'Tahafuz Baitul Muqaddas' at the Istanbul Chowk here which was attended by JuD leaders, including Hafiz Saeed and Abdul Rehman Makki

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) Chief and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed continues to spread religious hatred from the Pakistan soil as he, recently, invited all Islamic states to launch 'Jihad' against the United States and Israel. Hundreds of JuD activists participated in a rally 'Tahafuz Baitul Muqaddas' at the Istanbul Chowk here. The event was attended by JuD leaders, including Hafiz Saeed and Abdul Rehman Makki. The event was conducted in the wake of the US President Donald Trump-led administration unilaterally identifying and declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) co-founder, while addressing the gathering, said, "The day Jerusalem (Bait-ul-Muqaddas) becomes the capital of Israel, a caravan of 'Jihad' will be launched. Pakistan's army chief General (Qamar Javed) Bajwa, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and all leaders of the political parties need to unite. Pakistan's atomic bomb is the asset of `Islam', which should be used to free Jerusalem. This is my open announcement." He added, "We should organise an Islamic conference to be attended by chiefs of the Islamic states to declare 'Jihad'. The influence of the ISIS will weaken and the conspiracy of the United States against Islam and holy war (Jihad) will come to an end." The United Nations- and US-designated terrorist was recently released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the Mumbai attack case. Abdul Rehman Makki, the second in-command of the JuD, said: "May Allah almighty willing this 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' (Battle of Hind) and 'Ghazwa-e-Saleeb' (Battle of Christianity) will continue and this conference had pledged and promised they would wage jihad for Palestine like JuD had been waging Jihad in Kashmir." Hafiz Saeed, who formed Milli Muslim League (MML), is planning to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan. India has protested against Pakistan time and again for harbouring Saeed. He is wanted for allegedly plotting the Mumbai attacks that took place on November 26, 2008.

Hafiz Saeed calls for Jihad against the US

&ldquo;Nine years after 26/11, its mastermind still eludes justice. It is time to rescind Pakistan&rsquo;s status as a major non-NATO ally,&rdquo; Bruce Riedel, a top US&nbsp;expert on security, South Asia and counter-terrorism told PTI.

A top American counter-terrorism expert has urged the Trump administration to &ldquo;rescind&rdquo; the major non-NATO ally status given to Pakistan after a court in Lahore ordered to free Mumbai terror attack mastermind and banned JuD chief Hafiz Saeed from detention.

The banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) head, carrying a bounty of $10 million announced by the US&nbsp;for his role in terror activities, has been under detention since January this year.

The Trump administration on Wednesday said that Saeed is a terrorist leader designated by both the United Nations and the United States, hours after a Pakistani court ordered his release from detention.

&ldquo;Nine years after 26/11, its mastermind still eludes justice. It is time to rescind Pakistan&rsquo;s status as a major non-NATO ally,&rdquo; Bruce Riedel, a top US&nbsp;expert on security, South Asia and counter-terrorism told PTI.

&ldquo;In a word, the release is an outrage. Before long we will read news reports of Hafiz Saeed leading more rallies with thousands of people,&rdquo; Alyssa Ayres, former State Department official who is currently with the Council on Foreign Relations, said after the Lahore High Court on Wednesday ordered the Pakistani government to free Saeed.

Saeed is a UN-sanctioned individual terrorist who leads a UN-sanctioned terrorist organisation, Ms. Ayres said, alleging that Pakistan does not see fit to follow through on its obligations to uphold UN Security Council (UNSC) terrorist designations.

&ldquo;Pakistan cannot credibly claim to be fighting terrorism while failing its most basic security obligation to UNSC designations,&rdquo; Ms. Ayres said.

According to Michael Kugelman of the Woodrow Wilson Center, one should not be surprised by this announcement.

&ldquo;Pakistani legal authorities have frequently hinted they have insufficient evidence to justify his continued detention, so it was just a matter of time before this militant, who happens to be a critical Pakistani state asset, walks free.

&ldquo;This news will certainly rankle US&nbsp;officials, who often point out that the dozens of casualties in the Mumbai terror attack included several Americans,&rdquo; Mr. Kugelman said.

Saeed&rsquo;s release will reinforce Washington&rsquo;s longstanding belief that Pakistan embraces a selective policy toward terrorism that entails coddling militants that help serve Pakistani interests, he said.

&ldquo;All this said, we should not overstate the impact this move will have on U.S.-Pakistan relations,&rdquo; Mr. Kugelman said.

For the Trump administration, whose policy towards Pakistan revolves above all around protecting American lives, the terror group of greatest concern in Pakistan is the Haqqani Network, which the U.S. blames for various attacks on American and Western targets in Afghanistan.

&ldquo;The LeT is certainly important for Washington, but compared to the Haqqani network it is presently a relative sideshow in U.S. policy considerations,&rdquo; Mr. Kugelman added.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack.

Husain Haqqani, Pakistan&rsquo;s former Ambassador to the US, attributed this to the mixed messaging coming from the Trump administration in the last few weeks.

US officials were trying to signal to Pakistan that if it takes action against the Haqqani terror network, that could be seen as a positive move and &ldquo;may thwart&rdquo; tougher actions against Islamabad, as promised by President Donald Trump in his new South Asia policy, he said.

&ldquo;In the process they [the US] may have inadvertently made the Pakistani think that the US only wants action against the Haqqani network and not against groups like the LeT that are acting against India.

&ldquo;My fear is that mixed signals will lead to a situation in which Pakistan fails to take decisive action against Afghan-oriented and India-oriented terrorist groups,&rdquo; he said.

The United States, a State Department official said, is aware of media reports regarding Pakistan&rsquo;s ordered release of Saeed from the house arrest. In May 2008, the United States Department of the Treasury designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224.

Saeed was also individually designated by the United Nations under UNSCR 1267 (UN Security Council Resolution) in December 2008 following the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The LeT and several of its front organisations, leaders, and operatives remain under both State Department and Treasury Department sanctions, the State Department has said.

&ldquo;The United States reiterates its stance that LeT is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians in terrorist attacks, including a number of American citizens,&rdquo; a State Department Spokesperson said.

'Nine years after 26/11, its mastermind still eludes justice. It is time to rescind Pakistan?s status as a major non-NATO ally,' Bruce Riedel said

“Nine years after 26/11, its mastermind still eludes justice. It is time to rescind Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally,” Bruce Riedel, a top US expert on security, South Asia and counter-terrorism told PTI. A top American counter-terrorism expert has urged the Trump administration to “rescind” the major non-NATO ally status given to Pakistan after a court in Lahore ordered to free Mumbai terror attack mastermind and banned JuD chief Hafiz Saeed from detention. The banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) head, carrying a bounty of $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, has been under detention since January this year. The Trump administration on Wednesday said that Saeed is a terrorist leader designated by both the United Nations and the United States, hours after a Pakistani court ordered his release from detention. “Nine years after 26/11, its mastermind still eludes justice. It is time to rescind Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally,” Bruce Riedel, a top US expert on security, South Asia and counter-terrorism told PTI. “In a word, the release is an outrage. Before long we will read news reports of Hafiz Saeed leading more rallies with thousands of people,” Alyssa Ayres, former State Department official who is currently with the Council on Foreign Relations, said after the Lahore High Court on Wednesday ordered the Pakistani government to free Saeed. Saeed is a UN-sanctioned individual terrorist who leads a UN-sanctioned terrorist organisation, Ms. Ayres said, alleging that Pakistan does not see fit to follow through on its obligations to uphold UN Security Council (UNSC) terrorist designations. “Pakistan cannot credibly claim to be fighting terrorism while failing its most basic security obligation to UNSC designations,” Ms. Ayres said. According to Michael Kugelman of the Woodrow Wilson Center, one should not be surprised by this announcement. “Pakistani legal authorities have frequently hinted they have insufficient evidence to justify his continued detention, so it was just a matter of time before this militant, who happens to be a critical Pakistani state asset, walks free. “This news will certainly rankle US officials, who often point out that the dozens of casualties in the Mumbai terror attack included several Americans,” Mr. Kugelman said. Saeed’s release will reinforce Washington’s longstanding belief that Pakistan embraces a selective policy toward terrorism that entails coddling militants that help serve Pakistani interests, he said. “All this said, we should not overstate the impact this move will have on U.S.-Pakistan relations,” Mr. Kugelman said. For the Trump administration, whose policy towards Pakistan revolves above all around protecting American lives, the terror group of greatest concern in Pakistan is the Haqqani Network, which the U.S. blames for various attacks on American and Western targets in Afghanistan. “The LeT is certainly important for Washington, but compared to the Haqqani network it is presently a relative sideshow in U.S. policy considerations,” Mr. Kugelman added. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack. Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s former Ambassador to the US, attributed this to the mixed messaging coming from the Trump administration in the last few weeks. US officials were trying to signal to Pakistan that if it takes action against the Haqqani terror network, that could be seen as a positive move and “may thwart” tougher actions against Islamabad, as promised by President Donald Trump in his new South Asia policy, he said. “In the process they [the US] may have inadvertently made the Pakistani think that the US only wants action against the Haqqani network and not against groups like the LeT that are acting against India. “My fear is that mixed signals will lead to a situation in which Pakistan fails to take decisive action against Afghan-oriented and India-oriented terrorist groups,” he said. The United States, a State Department official said, is aware of media reports regarding Pakistan’s ordered release of Saeed from the house arrest. In May 2008, the United States Department of the Treasury designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224. Saeed was also individually designated by the United Nations under UNSCR 1267 (UN Security Council Resolution) in December 2008 following the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. The LeT and several of its front organisations, leaders, and operatives remain under both State Department and Treasury Department sanctions, the State Department has said. “The United States reiterates its stance that LeT is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians in terrorist attacks, including a number of American citizens,” a State Department Spokesperson said.

Time to 'rescind' Pakistan's major non-NATO ally status: US expert

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